South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola says South Africa will continue to support the Democratic Republic of Congo peace process. Lamola made these remarks in Pretoria on Thursday during the 12th session of bilateral, political, and diplomatic consultations with Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Foreign Minister of the DR Congo.
“Our support for your country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty remains solid and unwavering. We will not rest until the women and children of eastern DRC are able to sleep without fear of any danger,” Lamola said.
The minister further expressed concern over the fragile situation in eastern DRC, which has claimed many lives. He vowed that South Africa would support efforts to find a long-term solution.
Lamola stated that former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe had been invited to join the mediation team addressing insecurity in eastern DRC.
“We have no doubt that with his vast political experience, former President Motlanthe will be an asset to the team,” he added.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola
South Africa has been part of the peacekeeping efforts in eastern DRC, alongside other SADC member states. Earlier this year, when instability worsened in the DRC, a total of 14 South African peacekeepers lost their lives as the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels advanced towards major cities. South Africa currently has thousands of peacekeepers deployed as part of two missions.
“The issue that we have with M23 is the claim that it represents a section of the Congolese population that, according to the M23, is marginalised.
“If there is a perception of neglect or treatment that is not as favourable as others receive, then there are avenues and ways to express that. We have free elections that we hold at regular intervals, and everyone is free to participate through those channels,” Wagner said.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of International Relations also thanked South Africa for its continued support over the years and welcomed efforts to chart a way forward.
“I wish to thank you also for the very constructive and fruitful political consultations that we have just concluded,” she said.
“Indeed, constructive and fruitful because we have had the opportunity to look at the different efforts made by our predecessors, but also to look ahead at the potential we have yet to seize and materialise,” she added.
Minister Lamola expressed his condolences over the turmoil affecting the Congolese people, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
“The security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is fragile and a cause for concern. Many people have lost their lives, and millions, especially women and children, have been displaced,” he added.
South Africa and the DRC have signed 38 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding in agriculture, defence, trade and investment, health, policing, and other fields.
“Working together, I am confident that we will create the necessary conditions for these investments to be realised,” Lamola said.
Many South African companies have shown increased interest in investing in the DRC. Minister Lamola encouraged both nations to create the necessary conditions for these investments and announced that the country’s development finance institutions are also willing to extend and expand their coverage.
